Starting a new role as a processing archivist requires a structured approach to learning the institution's archival collections, processing standards, and digital systems. A 30-60-90 day plan provides a clear roadmap to help new processing archivists set achievable goals, track progress, and integrate into the archival team efficiently.
This customized 30-60-90 day plan template enables processing archivists to:
- Establish foundational knowledge of the archival collections and processing policies
- Develop proficiency in archival description standards and cataloging tools
- Engage with cross-departmental teams to understand broader institutional workflows
- Document progress and challenges to refine processing techniques and project management skills
Whether you’re joining a university archive, historical society, or corporate records center, this plan will guide you through the critical milestones to ensure your success as a processing archivist.
Benefits of a 30-60-90 Day Plan for Processing Archivists
Implementing a structured onboarding plan tailored to processing archivists offers several advantages:
- Provides a clear framework to master archival processing standards such as DACS and EAD
- Accelerates familiarity with the institution’s collections, enhancing cataloging accuracy and efficiency
- Facilitates relationship-building with curators, conservators, and digital asset managers
- Helps prioritize tasks such as appraisal, arrangement, description, and digitization projects
Main Elements of the Processing Archivist 30-60-90 Day Plan
This plan is divided into three progressive phases, each with specific objectives, tasks, and milestones to track your onboarding journey:
First 30 Days: Orientation and Foundation
Focus on understanding institutional policies, archival collections, and processing workflows. Attend orientation sessions, review finding aids, and familiarize yourself with the archival management software (e.g., ArchivesSpace).
- Complete training on archival standards and institutional guidelines
- Shadow experienced archivists during processing projects
- Begin reviewing backlog collections to assess processing needs
- Set up your workspace and access necessary digital tools
Days 31-60: Skill Development and Initial Contributions
Apply your foundational knowledge by taking on small processing projects. Collaborate with team members to refine description techniques and participate in collection appraisal meetings.
- Process selected collections under supervision, focusing on arrangement and description
- Participate in metadata creation and quality control for digital archives
- Attend cross-departmental meetings to understand broader archival initiatives
- Document challenges and seek feedback to improve processing methods
Days 61-90: Independent Project Management and Integration
Take ownership of processing projects, manage timelines, and contribute to archival outreach and preservation efforts. Demonstrate proficiency in archival description and project coordination.
- Lead processing of a mid-sized collection from accession to finding aid publication
- Collaborate with digital preservation staff to ensure long-term access
- Present project updates to the archival team and incorporate feedback
- Develop a personal professional development plan for continued growth
This structured 30-60-90 day plan empowers processing archivists to transition confidently into their roles, delivering meaningful contributions to preserving and making accessible valuable archival materials.
